Please join UCS and participate in a community conversation about human service needs and solutions in Johnson County. This is a unique opportunity to come together with representatives from various community sectors who care deeply about the future of our community.

The morning kicks off with a panel of leaders representing key community sectors moderated by Steve Kraske. Panelists include:

Laurie Minard, Vice President of HR, Garmin International

Dr. Patricia All, Interim Superintendent, Olathe School District

Brent Stewart, CEO, United Way of Greater Kansas City

Pastor Gary Schmitz, Founder, Caring For Kids Network

Ken Williams, CEO, Catholic Charities

They will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Johnson County and the importance of cross sector collaboration. During the session, attendees will participate in visioning discussions around a vibrant Johnson County and the roles each sector can play in strengthening our community's residents.

The event concludes with a panel of elected leaders sharing the growing role local government plays in addressing health and human service needs moderated by Elizabeth Alex. Panelists include:

Chairman Ed Eilert, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners

Mayor Mike Copeland, Olathe

Mayor Ken Sissom, Merriam

UCS has spent the past 50 years bringing community members together to plan and envision a strong community. Navigating the Future expands UCS' annual Human Service Summit to a community-wide conversation about current and future human service issues that impact all aspects of Johnson County. Don't miss this opportunity to share your ideas about how to help our community and its residents thrive.

UCS' Navigating the Future will be one of the first public events held in the new Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Special thanks to our event host, Johnson County Government. Programming for this event is supported through funding from the REACH Healthcare Foundation.

UCS has released its fact sheet noting the census' 5 Year Estimates on Poverty in Johnson County Cities. More than 34,000 Johnson County residents, 6.2% of the population, live below the federal poverty level, according to 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Thousands more earn just enough to avoid the technical definition of poverty, which was $11,770 for an individual and $20,090 for a family of three in 2015. Since 2007, poverty growth has outpaced population growth by nearly four times. If poverty was a city, it would be the 5th largest city in Johnson County.

UCS uses 5-year estimates to track poverty in local cities, because the Census Bureau provides only 5-year estimates (rather than 1-year estimates) for jurisdictions with fewer than 20,000 people. Based on those estimates, every city in the county has experienced an increase in the number of poor since 2009.

While poverty can be found throughout Johnson County, mapping analysis conducted by Mid America Regional Council (MARC) indicates that poverty is greater in certain geographic locations. Census tracts with relatively higher poverty rates are located in the Northeast suburbs, the county seat of Olathe, urban communities along the I-35 corridor, and the rural areas of Edgerton and De Soto.

Make A Donation: Giving to honor our past and prepare for our future is a great way to help us celebrate 50 years and those who have served our community through UCS. We are happy to offer this easy online giving option.

Our mission: Provide data analysis, lead collaborative planning and mobilize resources to enhance the availability and delivery of health and human services.